Communication system, client apparatus, and information communication system

ABSTRACT

In a communication system in which a plurality of client apparatuses individually having CAD software are connected via a network to a server managing information, information on a notation created on a CAD file screen of an arbitrary client apparatus is transmitted to the server. The notation information transmitted to the server is recorded on a recording medium. Further, the notation information is transmitted to one or more client apparatuses as destinations of the notation information. Thus, the transmitted notation information is displayed on a CAD file screen of each client apparatus as the destinations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priorityfrom prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-291216, filed Oct. 3,2002, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a communication system, a clientapparatus, and an information communication method, and in particular,to a communication system in which a plurality of client apparatusesindividually having computer aided design (CAD) software are connectedvia a network to a server apparatus managing information and the like.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Three-dimensional CAD software is known as a tool for using CADto create a three-dimensional model. In general, the three-dimensionalCAD software has a notation function. The notation function creates anotation at an arbitrary position in a three-dimensional model on ascreen that has been modeled by the three-dimensional CAD software. Ifdesigners use this function to exchange information such as a change ina design with each other, they create a notation and save a CAD filecontaining this notation. The designer hands this file to anotherdesigner whom the first designer desires to read the notation. Then, thesecond designer can read the notation by opening the file.

[0006] It should be noted that the designers cannot collaborate unlessthey exchange data created by a single CAD, with each other and thatdata on a created notation cannot be read without using CAD softwarebecause this data is contained in data created by the CAD software.

[0007] In connection with the three-dimensional CAD, what is called a“three-dimensional CAD viewer” or a “collaboration tool” is known. Thethree-dimensional CAD viewer is a tool which does not have such advancedfunctions as those of the three-dimensional CAD but which convertsthree-dimensional CAD data into its own data format so that a model canbe displayed so as to have the same shape as that created using thethree-dimensional CAD. The collaboration tool enables a plurality ofpeople to share the same file through a network using the functions ofthe three-dimensional viewer and to add notations to their screens.

[0008] Further, various methods are known which are used to design CADdrawings efficiently. For example, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI PublicationNo. 2000-305973 discloses a technique used in an automatic designingmethod of allowing a client to design CAD screens wherein a server isprovided with a required processing section to enable the creation ofnotated leader lines. Further, Japanese Patent No. 2765312 discloses aprinted circuit board designing apparatus that causes an operationprocedure managing section to transmit only coordinate data on a wiringpattern additionally inputted by an arbitrary terminal, to anotherterminal to enable parallel designing with the same display.Furthermore, Japanese Patent No. 2790558 discloses a technique ofproviding a plurality of terminals each of which modifies an originaldrawing to obtain a modified drawing and allowing a host to synthesizemodified portions from the respective terminals so that the terminalscan display a common modified screen.

[0009] In the prior art, if for example, the design of a model is to bechanged, the model, including a part to be changed, is displayed on athree-dimensional CAD screen and then printed on paper. Then, thecontents of the change are drawn on the printed drawing. On the basis ofthis sheet, a person responsible for the design of this part usesthree-dimensional CAD software to open a file for this part. Then, thisperson changes the model on the three-dimensional CAD screen.

[0010] Thus, although a design is created and changed usingthree-dimensional CAD software, paper must be used to communicate partsto be changed. Within the same section of a company, a designer can handthe sheet directly to a responsible staff member and orally describe thecontents of the change or give instructions while viewing a screen withthis member. However, if the responsible staff member works apart fromthe designer, a facsimile or telephone must be used for communications.If it is thus impossible to give direct instructions, the part to bechanged may not be accurately communicated.

[0011] Further, if information on a change in a model is exchanged usingpaper, this paper must be stored. When the contents of the change are tobe checked, there is no other way but to look at this paper (it isimpossible for a plurality of people to look at the paper at a time).

[0012] On the other hand, it is contemplated that the previouslydescribed collaboration tool may be used to exchange design changeinformation or the like. However, the collaboration tool is not used bythe designer. Accordingly, some additional operation becomes necessary:in order to obtain design change information, the designer or anotherperson may have to convert data created by CAD or to allow the system toexecute an automated conversion. Other problems are that design changeinformation exchanged using the collaboration tool cannot be utilizeddirectly in the three-dimensional CAD and that both CAD software andcollaboration tool must be simultaneously used.

[0013] Further, software products already exist which allow a pluralityof users to exchange notations added to a model on a collaboration toolcreated using a viewer or the like. Such software requires the users toconvert a data format for CAD software used for design into anappropriate one. Thus, disadvantageously, the designer must use pluralpieces of software such as the viewer and the CAD. Further, informationon what notations have been added remains only on the viewer. Therefore,a CAD file containing an actual design model cannot be referred to forthis information.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a communicationsystem, a client apparatus, and an information communication method thatenable design change information or the like to be efficientlyexchanged.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an information communication method applied to a communicationsystem in which a plurality of client apparatuses individually havingcomputer aided design (CAD) software are connected via a network to aserver apparatus managing information, the method comprisingtransmitting notation information related to a notation created on a CADfile screen of an arbitrary client apparatus, to the server apparatus;recording the notation information transmitted to the server apparatus,on a recording medium and transmitting the notation information to oneor more client apparatuses as destinations of the notation information;displaying the notation information transmitted to each client apparatusas the destinations, on a CAD file screen of each client apparatus asthe destinations.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a communication system comprising a plurality of clientapparatuses individually having computer aided design (CAD) software; aserver apparatus managing information; and a network connecting theplurality of client apparatuses and the server, wherein each of theplurality of client apparatuses is configured to transmit notationinformation related to a notation created on a CAD file screen to theserver apparatus and configured to display, on the CAD file screen, thenotation information transmitted from the server apparatus, and theserver apparatus is configured to record the notation informationtransmitted by an arbitrary client apparatus, on a recording medium andconfigured to transmit the notation information to one or more clientapparatuses as destinations of the notation information.

[0017] According to still another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a client apparatus having computer aided design (CAD)software and which can transmit and receive information to and fromanother client via a server apparatus, the apparatus comprising a firstprocessing section configured to transmit notation information relatedto a notation created on a CAD file screen to one or more clientapparatuses as destinations of the notation information via the serverapparatus; and a second processing section configured to display, on theCAD file screen, the notation information transmitted from an arbitraryclient apparatus via the server apparatus.

[0018] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be setforth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Thefeatures and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of theinvention, and together with the general description given above and thedetailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explainthe principles of the invention.

[0020]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communicationsystem common to embodiments of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of model and notationinformation displayed on a screen of a client;

[0022]FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating items contained in the notationinformation;

[0023]FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing that different model shapesare displayed on the screens of respective clients;

[0024]FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the case in which clients dealingwith different model shapes transmit notation information between them;

[0025]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communicationsystem according to a first to tenth embodiments of the presentinvention;

[0026]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of aserver according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of aclient according to the first embodiment;

[0028]FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a communicationsystem according to the first embodiment;

[0029]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe server according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe client according to the second embodiment;

[0031]FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating operations of thecommunication system according to the second embodiment;

[0032]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe server according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe client according to the third embodiment;

[0034]FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating operations of thecommunication system according to the third embodiment;

[0035]FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating operations of thecommunication system according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0036]FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe client according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating operations of thecommunication system according to the fifth embodiment;

[0038]FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe client according to a seventh embodiment;

[0039]FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the relationship between theserver and a Web page according to an eighth embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0040]FIG. 21 is a chart showing a process procedure according to aninth embodiment of the present invention;

[0041]FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe client according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0042]FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating operations of thecommunication system according to the tenth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below withreference to the drawings.

[0044] <Common to Each Embodiment>

[0045] First, description will be given of items common to eachembodiment before describing the individual embodiments.

[0046]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communicationsystem common to embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] In the communication system in the figure, a server apparatus A(hereinafter referred to as a “server A”) is connected to a plurality ofclient apparatuses B, C, . . . (hereinafter referred to as “clients B,C, . . . ”) via a network.

[0048] The server A has a function of recording and managing informationon each client, information transmitted between the clients, and otherinformation and transferring information transmitted by an arbitraryclient, to a destined client as a destination of the information.

[0049] The clients B, C, . . . are individually provided withthree-dimensional CAD software to enable a three-dimensional model to becreated on a CAD screen of a display device. The three-dimensional CADsoftware has a notation function. The notation function enables anotation (a sentence indicative of a change in a design or the like) tobe created at an arbitrary position in a three-dimensional model on aCAD screen which has been modeled by three-dimensional CAD software.

[0050] In particular, each client has a function of transmittinginformation on a notation created on a CAD file screen, from this clientto another client via the server A and a function of displaying notationinformation transmitted from another client to this client via theserver, on the CAD file screen.

[0051]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of model and notationinformation displayed on a screen of a client.

[0052] For example, it is assumed that a plurality of clients aresimultaneously opening a particular CAD file (for example, client name:“CUBE”). Here, on a certain client (for example, the client B), a useruses the notation function to create notation information at anarbitrary position in a model. The created notation information includesthe contents of the notation, the coordinates of the position of thenotation, and the coordinates of a position indicated by the notation(e.g., a position on the model) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0053] Once the user has created the notation information in thismanner, the client B transmits this information to the server A (in thiscase, the CAD file itself is not transmitted). Thus, the server Atransmits the notation information to the clients other than the clientB (i.e. all the clients sharing the CAD file “CUBE”). Then, the notationis displayed on a screen for the CAD file “CUBE” (the same display asthat in FIG. 2).

[0054]FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing that different models aredisplayed on the screens of respective clients.

[0055] It is assumed that the three-dimensional model displayed on thescreen for the CAD file “CUBE” varies among the clients. For example, itis assumed that a model such as that shown in FIG. 4A is displayed onthe client B, while a model such as that shown in FIG. 4B is displayedon the client C. In this case, the model on the client B has a shapethat is absent from the model on the client C.

[0056] Here, information on a notation created by the client B istransmitted from the client B to the client C (via the server A). Inthis case, as shown in FIG. 5, on the screen of the client C, thenotation information is also displayed at the same arrangement positionas that on the screen of the client B.

[0057] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, if a position to be indicatedby a notation does not correspond to the same position on a model on areceiving client, the notation is not displayed on the model but at aparticular position on the screen. This enables notation information tobe appropriately communicated to a client creating a differently shapedmodel without causing any problems during the transmission or receptionof the notation information.

[0058] <First Embodiment>

[0059]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communicationsystem according to a first embodiment of the present invention.Elements common to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the server A is connected to a LAN, and theclients B, C, D, . . . are individually connected to respective LANs.Further, the individual LANs can be connected together via a Web such asthe Internet. The clients transmit and receive information to and fromone another via the LANs, the Web, and the server A.

[0061]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] As shown in this figure, the server A includes an informationtransmitting section 1, an information receiving section 2, aninformation managing section 3, and an information recording section 4.

[0063] The information receiving section 2 has a function of receivinginformation from the clients B, C, and D.

[0064] The information managing section 3 has a function of passing theinformation received by the information receiving section 2, to theinformation recording section 4 and a function of passing the sameinformation to the information transmitting section 1.

[0065] The information recording section 4 has a function of recordingthe information passed by the information managing section 3.

[0066] The information transmitting section 1 has a function oftransmitting the information received from the information managingsection 3, to the clients B, C, D, . . . .

[0067]FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe client according to the first embodiment.

[0068] As shown in this figure, each of the clients B, C, D, . . .includes a three-dimensional CAD function 10, an information extractingsection 11, an information transmitting section 12, an informationwriting section 13, and an information receiving section 14.

[0069] The three-dimensional CAD function 10 corresponds tothree-dimensional software and is used to create a three-dimensionalmodel on the screen of the display device on the basis of CAD. Thethree-dimensional CAD function 10 includes the previously describednotification function.

[0070] The information extracting section 11 has a function ofextracting information present on CAD.

[0071] The information transmitting section 12 has a function oftransmitting the information extracted by the information extractingsection 11, to the server A.

[0072] The information receiving section 14 has a function of receivinginformation from the server.

[0073] The information writing section 13 has a function of writing theinformation received by the information receiving section 14, in arecording area of the three-dimensional CAD function 10.

[0074] Now, with reference to FIG. 9, description will be given ofoperations of a communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0075] In this description, a shared CAD file is open on the screens ofa plurality of clients. The clients exchange notification informationwith one another in real time (a synchronous process).

[0076] For example, on the three-dimensional CAD function (CAD software)10 of the client B, a notation is created on a model (step S11). Then,the information extracting section 11 obtains notation information (stepS12). The information extracting section 11 passes the information tothe information transmitting section 12 (step S13). Then, theinformation transmitting section 12 transmits the information receivedfrom the information extracting section 11, to the server A (step S14).

[0077] In the server A, the information receiving section 2 receives theinformation from the information transmitting section 12 of the client B(step S15). The information managing section 3 passes the informationreceived by the information receiving section 2, to the informationrecording section 4 (step S16). Then, the information recording section4 receives the information from the information managing section 3 andrecords it (step S17). Further, the information transmitting section 1receives the information from the information managing section 3 andtransmits it to the information receiving section 14 of each of theclients (step S18).

[0078] In the clients other than the client B, the information receivingsection 14 receives the information from the server A (step S19). Theinformation receiving section 14 then passes the information to theinformation writing section 13 (step S20). On the basis of the receivedinformation, the information writing section 13 transmits the notationto the three-dimensional CAD function (CAD software) 10 (step S21).Then, the notation is displayed on a model on the three-dimensional CADfunction (CAD software) 10 (step S22).

[0079] Thus, according to the first embodiment, while a shared CAD fileis open on a plurality of clients, information on a notation created onthe CAD screen of an arbitrary client can be displayed on the CADscreens of the other clients in real time.

[0080] <Second Embodiment>

[0081] The configuration of a communication system according to a secondembodiment of the present invention is the same as that in the firstembodiment (FIG. 6). Accordingly, its description is omitted. In thesecond embodiment, the apparatuses exchange more specific notationinformation with one another than in the first embodiment, describedpreviously.

[0082]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe server according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] As shown in this figure, the server A includes the informationtransmitting section 1, the information receiving section 2, theinformation managing section 3, and the information recording section 4.In this point, the second embodiment is similar to that in the firstembodiment (FIG. 7). However, notification information exchanged betweenthe functions includes the “coordinates of a position on a CAD model tobe indicated by a notation”, the “contents of the notation”, the“coordinates of the position of the notation”, and a “file name”.

[0084]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe client according to the second embodiment.

[0085] As shown in this figure, each of the clients B, C, D, . . .includes the three-dimensional CAD function 10, the informationextracting section 11, the information transmitting section 12, theinformation writing section 13, and the information receiving section14. In this point, the second embodiment is similar to that in the firstembodiment (FIG. 8). However, notification information exchanged betweenthe functions includes the “coordinates of a position on a CAD model tobe indicated by the notation”, the “contents of the notation”, the“coordinates of the position of the notation”, and a “file name”.

[0086] Now, with reference to FIG. 12, description will be given ofoperations of the communication system according to the secondembodiment.

[0087] In this description, a shared CAD file is open on the screens ofa plurality of clients. The clients exchange notification informationwith one another in real time (a synchronous process).

[0088] For example, on the three-dimensional CAD function (CAD software)10 of the client B, a notation is created on a model (step S11). Then,the information extracting section 11 obtains notation information (the“coordinates of a position on a CAD model to be indicated by anotation”, the “contents of the notation”, the “coordinates of theposition of the notation”, and a “file name”) (step S12 a). Theinformation extracting section 11 passes the information to theinformation transmitting section 12 (step S13). Then, the informationtransmitting section 12 transmits the information received from theinformation extracting section 11, to the server A (step S14).

[0089] In the server A, the information receiving section 2 receives theinformation from the information transmitting section 12 of the client B(step S15). The information managing section 3 passes the informationreceived by the information receiving section 2, to the informationrecording section 4 (step S16). Then, the information recording section4 receives the information from the information managing section 3 andrecords it (step S17). Further, the information transmitting section 1receives the information from the information managing section 3 andtransmits it to the information receiving section 14 of each of theclients (step S18).

[0090] In the clients other than the client B, the information receivingsection 14 receives the information (the “coordinates of a position on aCAD model to be indicated by the notation”, the “contents of thenotation”, the “coordinates of the position of the notation”, and the“file name”) from the server A (step 19 a). The information receivingsection 14 then passes the information to the information writingsection 13 (step S20). If the file name indicated by the receivedinformation is the same as that of the currently open file, theinformation writing section 13 transmits the notation to thethree-dimensional CAD function (CAD software) 10 on the basis of thereceived information (step S21 a). Then, the notation is displayed on amodel on the three-dimensional CAD function (CAD software) 10 (stepS22).

[0091] Thus, according to the second embodiment, a notation can bereliably communicated with a small amount of information by employing asnotation information the “coordinates of a position on a CAD model to beindicated by the notation”, the “contents of the notation”, the“coordinates of the position of the notation”, and a “file name”.

[0092] <Third Embodiment>

[0093] The configuration of a communication system according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention is the same as those in the firstand embodiments (FIG. 6). Accordingly, its description is omitted. Inthe third embodiment, notation information exchanged between theapparatuses includes new items.

[0094]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe server according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] As shown in this figure, the server A includes the informationtransmitting section 1, the information receiving section 2, theinformation managing section 3, and the information recording section 4.Further, notification information exchanged between the functionsincludes the “coordinates of a position on a CAD model to be indicatedby a notation”, the “contents of the notation”, the “coordinates of theposition of the notation”, and a “file name”. In these points, the thirdembodiment is similar to the second embodiment (FIG. 10). However, inaddition to the above items, the notification information exchangedbetween the functions includes the “result of selection of aninformation destination” and “client user information”.

[0096]FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe client according to the third embodiment.

[0097] As shown in this figure, each of the clients B, C, D, . . .includes the three-dimensional CAD function 10, the informationextracting section 11, the information transmitting section 12, theinformation writing section 13, and the information receiving section14. Further, notation information exchanged between the functionsincludes the “coordinates of a position on a CAD model to be indicatedby a notation”, the “contents of the notation”, and the “coordinates ofthe position of the notation”. In these points, the third embodiment issimilar to the second embodiment (FIG. 11). However, in addition tothese functions, each client includes an information destinationselecting section 15 and a user determining section 16.

[0098] The information destination selecting section 15 has a functionof selecting one of the clients to which information extracted by theinformation extracting section 11 is to be transmitted and passinginformation indicative of this client to the information transmittingsection 12.

[0099] The user determining section 16 has a function of determining auser who operates the client and passing user information indicative ofthis user to the information transmitting section 12.

[0100] In this case, the information transmitting section 12 transmitsinformation containing “client information and user information” and the“result of selection of an information destination” in addition to the“coordinates of a position on a CAD model to be indicated by anotation”, the “contents of the notation”, and the “coordinates of theposition of the notation”. Further, the information receiving section 14can obtain the information “another client name” in addition to the“coordinates of a position on a CAD model to be indicated by thenotation”, the “contents of the notation”, and the “coordinates of theposition of the notation”.

[0101] Now, with reference to FIG. 15, description will be given ofoperations of the communication system according to the thirdembodiment.

[0102] In this description, a shared CAD file is open on the screens ofa plurality of clients. The clients exchange notification informationwith one another in real time (a synchronous process).

[0103] In each of the clients, the user determining section 16determines a user who uses that client (step S31). The informationtransmitting section 12 transmits user information indicative of theresult of the determination to the server A (step S32).

[0104] In the server A, the information receiving section 2 receives theuser information from the information transmitting section 12 of eachclient (step S33). The information managing section 3 passes theinformation received by the information receiving section 2, to both theinformation recording section 4 and the information transmitting section1 (step S34). The information transmitting section 1 transmits thepassed information to the information destination selecting sections 15of all the clients via the information receiving section 14 (step S35).

[0105] Here, for example, on the three-dimensional CAD function (CADsoftware) 10 of the client B, a notation is created on a model (stepS11). Then, the information extracting section 11 obtains notationinformation (the “coordinates of a position on a CAD model to beindicated by the notation”, the “contents of the notation”, the“coordinates of the position of the notation”, and a “file name”) (stepS12 a). The information destination selecting section 15 obtains a listof users from the information receiving section 14 to select a use towhom the notation is to be transmitted (step S13 a). Then, theinformation transmitting section 12 transmits the information receivedfrom the information extracting section 11, the user informationindicative of the information destination, and other information, to theserver A (step S14 a).

[0106] In the server A, the information receiving section 2 receives theinformation from the information transmitting section 12 of the client B(step S15). The information managing section 3 passes the informationreceived by the information receiving section 2, to the informationrecording section 4 (step S16). Then, the information recording section4 receives the information from the information managing section 3 andrecords it (step S17). Further, the information transmitting section 1receives the information from the information managing section 3 andtransmits it to the information receiving section 14 of each of theclients (step S18).

[0107] In the clients other than the client B, the information receivingsection 14 receives the information (the “coordinates of a position on aCAD model to be indicated by the notation”, the “contents of thenotation”, the “coordinates of the position of the notation”, and the“file name”) from the server A (step 19 a). The information receivingsection 14 then passes the information to the information writingsection 13 (step S20). If the file name indicated by the receivedinformation is the same as that of the currently open file, theinformation writing section 13 transmits the notation to thethree-dimensional CAD function (CAD software) 10 on the basis of thereceived information (step S21 a). Then, the notation is displayed on amodel on the three-dimensional CAD function (CAD software) 10 (stepS22).

[0108] Thus, according to the third embodiment, notation information canbe reliably communicated to one or more particular client apparatuses bydetermining users who operates the respective clients and executing aprocess of selecting clients to which information is to be transmitted.

[0109] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0110] The configuration of a communication system according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention is the same as those in previouslydescribed embodiments (FIG. 6). Accordingly, its description is omitted.In the fourth embodiment, description will be given of a method that candeal not only with a synchronous process by which notation informationis exchanged in real time but also with an asynchronous process by whichnotation information is exchanged in a delaying manner. This method isapplicable to the previously described embodiments.

[0111] In the fourth embodiment, each client has the following function:when the server A transmits a notation to each client, if the client isnot opening the corresponding file (an asynchronous state), the clientinquires of the server A upon opening this file, to obtain the notationfrom the server A, and then displays the notation on a screen for thisfile.

[0112] Now, with reference to FIG. 16, description will be given ofoperations of the communication system according to the fourthembodiment.

[0113] For example, the client B notates a file A (step S41. The clientB then transmits the notated file A to the server A (step S42).

[0114] The server A executes such a process as described in thepreviously described embodiments (step S43). The server A then transmitsnotation information to the relevant client apparatuses (step S44).

[0115] Each client displays the notation on its screen if it is openingthe file A (a synchronous state) when the server A transmits thenotation to the client (steps S45 and S46). On the other hand, if theclient is not opening the file A (an asynchronous state) when the serverA transmits the notation to the client, it inquires, upon opening thefile A, of the server A as to whether or not notation information hasnewly arrived at the server A (steps S47 and S48). This inquiry allowsthe client to obtain the notation from the server and display it on itsscreen.

[0116] Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, when the servertransmits a notation to each client, even if the client is not openingthe corresponding file (an asynchronous state), the client can reliablydisplay the notation on its screen upon opening this file.

[0117] <Fifth Embodiment>

[0118] The configuration of a communication system according to a fifthembodiment of the present invention is the same as those in previouslydescribed embodiments (FIG. 6). Accordingly, its description is omitted.In the fifth embodiment, description will be given of a method ofallowing the user to notice the new arrival of notation information onthe screen of the information destined client. This method is applicableto the previously described embodiments.

[0119]FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe client according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] As shown in this figure, each of the clients B, C, D, . . .includes an information notifying section 17 in addition to thefunctions described in the previously described embodiments. Theinformation notifying section 17 has a function of operating when theserver A transmits notation information to the client, to display anicon or the like on the screen of the client to notify the user of thenew arrival of notation information.

[0121] Specifically, if the receiving client is opening the same file,the notation is displayed on the CAD screen of the CAD software 10 a andan icon or the like is displayed at a predetermined position on thescreen to notify the user of the new arrival of a notation. On the otherhand, even if the receiving client is not opening the same file, the newarrival of notation information is displayed at the predeterminedposition on the screen to prompt the user to open the correspondingfile.

[0122] Now, with reference to FIG. 18, description will be given ofoperations of the communication system according to the fifthembodiment.

[0123] Processes executed by the server A and client B are similar tothose in the previously described embodiments (FIG. 9 and otherfigures). Accordingly, their description is omitted.

[0124] In the clients other than the client B, the information receivingsection 14 receives information from the server A (step S19). Theinformation receiving section 14 then passes the information to theinformation writing section 13 (step S20). On the basis of the receivedinformation, the information writing section 13 transmits the notationto the three-dimensional CAD function (CAD software) 10 and informs theinformation notifying section 17 of the new arrival of information (stepS21 b). Then, the information notifying section 17 notifies the user ofthe new arrival of information on the screen using the icon or the like.At the same time, the notation is displayed on a model on thethree-dimensional CAD function (CAD software) 10 (step S22).

[0125] Thus, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible toreflect notation information in the client's CAD software, whilenotifying the user of the new arrival of this information.

[0126] <Sixth Embodiment>

[0127] The configuration of a communication system according to a sixthembodiment of the present invention is the same as those in previouslydescribed embodiments (FIG. 6). Accordingly, its description is omitted.In the sixth embodiment, description will be given of a method ofcombining the previously described fourth and fifth embodiments to allowthe user to notice the new arrival of notation information upon poweringon the client. This method is applicable to the previously describedembodiments.

[0128] In the sixth embodiment, after being powered on to activate thesystem, the client inquires of the server A as to whether or notcorresponding notation information has been newly arrived. Then, ifcorresponding notation information has been newly arrived, the clientdisplays the arrival on its screen.

[0129] Thus, according to the sixth embodiment, after powering on theclient to activate the system, the user can notice the new arrival ofnotation information.

[0130] <Seventh Embodiment>

[0131] The configuration of a communication system according to aseventh embodiment of the present invention is the same as those inpreviously described embodiments (FIG. 6). Accordingly, its descriptionis omitted. In the seventh embodiment, a different method is used totransmit notation information to an information destined client ornotify it of the new arrival of notation information. This method isapplicable to the previously described embodiments.

[0132]FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe client according to a seventh embodiment.

[0133] As shown in this figure, the server A includes a mailtransmitting section 5 in addition to the functions described in thepreviously described embodiments. When transmitting notation informationto an information destined client, the mail transmitting section 5 usesan electronic mail to transmit the notation information or notify theclient of the new arrival of notation information.

[0134] Thus, according to the seventh embodiment, the user can noticethe new arrival of notation information or obtain notation information,via an electronic mail.

[0135] <Eighth Embodiment>

[0136] The configuration of a communication system according to aneighth embodiment of the present invention is the same as those inpreviously described embodiments (FIG. 6). Accordingly, its descriptionis omitted. In the eighth embodiment, description will be given of amethod of managing notation information utilizing a Web page. Thismethod is applicable to the previously described embodiments.

[0137]FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the relationship between theserver and a Web page according to the eighth embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0138] When the user creates a notation through a Web page, the notationinformation is transmitted to the information managing section 3 of theserver A and stored in the information storing section 4. Further, thenotation information is transmitted from the information managingsection 3 to the relevant client via the information transmittingsection 1. Consequently, the notation information is displayed on thescreen of the client.

[0139] Further, when the information managing section 3 of the server Ais accessed through the Web server, the notation information recorded inthe information recording section 4 can be referenced (browsed).

[0140] Thus, according to the eighth embodiment, it is possible tocreate a notation to record the corresponding information or referencethis information, via a Web page.

[0141] <Ninth Embodiment>

[0142] The configuration of a communication system according to a ninthembodiment of the present invention is the same as those in previouslydescribed embodiments (FIG. 6). Accordingly, its description is omitted.In the ninth embodiment, description will be given of a method ofenabling not only the reference of notation information but also thebrowsing of an image containing a notation. This method is applicable tothe previously described embodiments.

[0143]FIG. 21 is a chart showing a process procedure according to theninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] Using an arbitrary client, the user creates a notation on a CADfile screen (step S61). The instant the creation of the notation iscompleted, an image containing the notation is stored in an image file(step S62). The image file containing the image is transferred to theserver A together with the notation information (step S63). The imagefile is then managed by the server A (step S64).

[0145] Subsequently, by accessing the server A through a Web page, theimage and notation information recorded in the server A can bereferenced (browsed).

[0146] Thus, according to the ninth embodiment, it is possible toreference not only notation information but also an image containing anotation, through a Web page.

[0147] <Tenth Embodiment>

[0148] The configuration of a communication system according to a tenthembodiment of the present invention is the same as those in previouslydescribed embodiments (FIG. 6). Accordingly, its description is omitted.In the tenth embodiment, description will be given of a method ofindicating whether or not a task indicated by a notation has beencompleted. This method is applicable to the previously describedembodiments.

[0149] In the tenth embodiment, it is possible to use a layer functionprovided in CAD software to switch between the display and non-displayof a notation to indicate whether or not a task indicated by thenotation has been completed.

[0150] Further, the server apparatus stores information indicating thedisplay or non-display of a notation. In this case, the server apparatusmay store the information indicating the display or non-display of thenotation in associated with the notation information so that thesepieces of information can be browsed or displayed.

[0151] Once the task is completed, the information indicating thenon-display of the notation is transmitted to the destined client viathe server A.

[0152]FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration ofthe client according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] As shown in this figure, each of the clients B, C, D, . . .includes a task function 18 in addition to the functions described inthe previously described embodiments. The task function 18 executes aprocess of disabling the display of a notation on the screen when a taskindicated by the notation is completed. The task function 18 alsotransmits the information indicating the non-display to the informationwriting section 13 and uses the information transmitting section 12 toreflect this information in information managed by the server A.

[0154]FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating operations of thecommunication system according to the tenth embodiment.

[0155] In the client B, a notation is completely created (step S71). Thenotation information is selectively transferred to designated or allclients (step S72). Further, the notation is displayed on the relevantclients via the server A (step S73). The user completes the contents ofthe notation (a change in a design or the like) (step S74). Then, thetask function 18 performs a completing operation (step S75). Thus, theinformation writing section 13 writes the information indicating thenon-display of the notation, and the information transmitting section 12transmits the same information (step S76). Further, the display of thenotation is disabled (step S77).

[0156] In the server A, the information receiving section 2 receives theinformation indicating the non-display of the notation (step S78). Theinformation managing section 3 records this information in theinformation recording section 4 for management (step S80). By accessingthe information managing section 3 through the Web or the like, themanaged information can be browsed to determine whether or not thenotation as a task has been completed (step S79). Further, theinformation transmitting section 1 transmits the information indicatingthe non-display of the notation, to the clients other than the client B(step S81).

[0157] In the clients other than the client B, the information receivingsection 14 receives the information indicating the non-display of thenotation (step S82). The information receiving section 14 then passesthe information to the information writing section 13 (step S83). Thus,the task function 18 disables the display of the designated notation ona model on CAD software (step S84). Subsequently, the client inquires ofthe server A about the notation completion or non-completion status toupdate the information indicating the display or non-display of anotation (step S85).

[0158] Thus, according to the tenth embodiment, when a task indicated bya notation has not been started or is under way, the notation isdisplayed. However, when the task is completed, the display of thenotation is disabled. This allows the user to determine that only thetask being displayed remains to be processed. Further, by transmittinginformation indicating the non-display of a notation, the server A canmanage the corresponding information and this information can bereflected in the other clients. Further, as shown in FIG. 20, accessingthe server from a Web page enables information stored in the server A tobe browsed. In this case, even users who are not engaged with the CADtask can reference this information.

[0159] The present invention is not limited to the above describedembodiments. However, variations may be made to these embodimentswithout departing from the spirits of the invention. For example, theprocess procedures described in the embodiments may be implemented asprograms that can be read and executed by a computer.

[0160] As described above, according to the present invention, designchange information or the like can be efficiently exchanged between aplurality of client apparatuses individually having CAD software.

[0161] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broaderaspects is not limited to the specific details and representativeembodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, variousmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information communication method applied to acommunication system in which a plurality of client apparatusesindividually having computer aided design (CAD) software are connectedvia a network to a server apparatus managing information, the methodcomprising: transmitting notation information related to a notationcreated on a CAD file screen of an arbitrary client apparatus, to theserver apparatus; recording the notation information transmitted to theserver apparatus, on a recording medium and transmitting the notationinformation to one or more client apparatuses as destinations of thenotation information; displaying the notation information transmitted toeach client apparatus as the destinations, on a CAD file screen of eachclient apparatus as the destinations.
 2. The information communicationmethod according to claim 1, wherein the notation information includescontents of the notation, coordinates of a position of the notation, andcoordinates of a position indicated by the notation.
 3. The informationcommunication method according to claim 1, further comprising addinginformation indicating the destinations of the notation information, tothe notation information to be transmitted to the server apparatus. 4.The information communication method according to claim 1, wherein uponopening an CAD file, each client apparatus inquires of the serverapparatus as to whether corresponding notation information has newlyarrived, to obtain the notation, and then displays the notation on theCAD file screen.
 5. The information communication method according toclaim 1, further comprising displaying information indicating thatcorresponding notation information has newly arrived, on a screen ofeach client apparatus.
 6. The information communication method accordingto claim 1, wherein after being powered on to activate a system, eachclient apparatus inquires of the server apparatus as to whether or notcorresponding notation information has newly arrived, and if thecorresponding notation information has newly arrived, displays thearrival on a screen.
 7. The information communication method accordingto claim 1, further comprising notifying each client apparatus as thedestinations of new arrival of the notation information via anelectronic mail.
 8. The information communication method according toclaim 1, further comprising: recording information on a notation createdthrough a Web page, in the server apparatus and transmitting thenotation information to each client apparatus as the destinations; andenabling the notation information recorded in the server apparatus to bereferred by accessing the server apparatus through the Web page.
 9. Theinformation communication method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: transmitting an image containing a notation creased on theCAD file screen of an arbitrary client apparatus, to the serverapparatus together with information on the notation to manage the imageand the notation information by the server apparatus; and enabling theimage and notation information recorded in the server apparatus to bereferenced by accessing the server apparatus through the Web page. 10.The information communication method according to claim 1, furthercomprising using a layer function provided in the CAD software to switchbetween display and non-display of the notation to indicate whether ornot a task indicated by the notation has been completed.
 11. Theinformation communication method according to claim 10, furthercomprising transmitting information indicating the non-display of thenotation, to each client apparatus when the task is completed.
 12. Theinformation communication method according to claim 10, furthercomprising storing information indicating the display or non-display ofthe notation, in the server apparatus.
 13. The information communicationmethod according to claim 1, further comprising: storing the informationindicating the display or non-display of the notation, in the serverapparatus in association with the notation information; and enabling theinformation stored in the server apparatus to be browsed or referenced.14. A communication system comprising: a plurality of client apparatusesindividually having computer aided design (CAD) software; a serverapparatus managing information; and a network connecting the pluralityof client apparatuses and the server, wherein each of the plurality ofclient apparatuses is configured to transmit notation informationrelated to a notation created on a CAD file screen to the serverapparatus and configured to display, on the CAD file screen, thenotation information transmitted from the server apparatus, and theserver apparatus is configured to record the notation informationtransmitted by an arbitrary client apparatus, on a recording medium andconfigured to transmit the notation information to one or more clientapparatuses as destinations of the notation information.
 15. Thecommunication system according to claim 14, wherein the notationinformation includes contents of the notation, coordinates of a positionof the notation, and coordinates of a position indicated by thenotation.
 16. A client apparatus having computer aided design (CAD)software and which can transmit and receive information to and fromanother client via a server apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a firstprocessing section configured to transmit notation information relatedto a notation created on a CAD file screen to one or more clientapparatuses as destinations of the notation information via the serverapparatus; and a second processing section configured to display, on theCAD file screen, the notation information transmitted from an arbitraryclient apparatus via the server apparatus.
 17. The client apparatusaccording to claim 16, wherein the notation information includescontents of the notation, coordinates of a position of the notation, andcoordinates of a position indicated by the notation.